Police K-9 attacks boy in Campbell - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

CAMPBELL, Ohio - Patrick Assion's arm is red with bite marks. His a t-shirt is full of holes and his sweatshirt is torn apart.

"I heard my cousin scream, so I ran around the house and I saw the dog tearing up his coat," said Ali Darwish.

On Friday afternoon, eight-year-old Patrick was playing hide and seek with his cousins in his grandma's backyard.

At the same time, an off-duty Campbell police officer was walking a police dog named Storm. The dog was going to the bathroom inside a fenced off area. When it came out, it broke free from its handler and went after Patrick.

"When I turned my head, it already got snatched onto my arm and threw me down to the ground and started ripping my jacket," Patrick said.

Campbell police say the attack was an unfortunate accident. They believe the dog may have confused kids running during a game of hide and seek for a suspect running from police.

"They're trained that anything running could be a potential threat, and all he's doing is reacting and doing what he was trained to do," explained Sergeant John Rusnak from the Campbell Police Department.

Police say aside from this unique incident, Storm has an excellent service record.

"He has caught three armed robbers. He has located numerous amounts of drugs. He has tracked down suspects. He's been a vital, vital part of our police department," added Rusnak.

But that message doesn't sit well with Patrick's mom, Angel.

"I don't want that dog to be ever around again," she said. "Certainly he should never be off of his leash and not under control 100% of the time."

Campbell police say they will review their K-9 policies and training procedures.